Driver killed as 40ft container truck crushes minibus in Lagos

A tragic accident occurred early Sunday morning along Old Ipaja Road in Lagos, when a 40-foot containerized truck overturned and crushed a commercial minibus, killing its driver on the spot.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), three passengers — two women and a man — were rescued uninjured from the wreckage. They were immediately handed over to emergency medical personnel for further evaluation.

In a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the agency confirmed the incident involved a Mack truck with registration number MUS 729 XY, which reportedly suffered a brake failure before toppling onto the minibus, popularly known as “Korope”.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) deeply regrets to announce a harrowing road traffic incident that transpired in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, along Old Ipaja Road by Agbotikuyo, enroute to Iyana Ipaja,” the statement read.

“The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerized truck (MUS 729 XY), which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus — colloquially referred to as ‘Korope’.

“Tragically, the devastating impact led to the instantaneous death of the minibus driver, whose life was abruptly cut short in the line of duty.”

The crash caused a major traffic gridlock, obstructing over half of the arterial carriageway and affecting adjoining routes including Shofunde and Olufunlayo. LASTMA officials promptly initiated traffic diversion measures to manage the disruption and restore order.

“In a remarkable display of courage and promptitude, LASTMA Officers deployed along the corridor swiftly mobilized and rescued three passengers — two females and one male — unhurt but were immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for clinical attention,” the statement continued.

“It is worthy of note that the truck driver, in a failed attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA Officers and promptly transferred to security personnel from both the Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions, who had been duly notified by LASTMA officials.”

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and officers from the Nigeria Police collaborated in securing the area, removing the truck, and restoring normal traffic flow.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and reiterated the need for stricter enforcement of vehicle safety protocols.

“Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection — especially the braking systems — before venturing onto our roads. Preventable tragedies like this underscore the need for unwavering compliance,” Giwa stated.

He added that the state remains committed to enhancing road safety, emergency responsiveness, and vehicle compliance to reduce fatalities on Lagos roads.